LATEST ARTICLES
Build Your Business Website or App in Minutes with Macaly AI
For many small businesses, having a great idea for a website or online tool is the easy part. Turning that idea into something that actually works can be much harder.
Traditionally, launching a new website, booking system, customer portal or business app could mean hiring a developer, managing a lengthy project and dealing with technical decisions you may not have the time or expertise to make.
Macaly AI changes that.
Available through Hosting Ireland, Macaly is an AI-powered website and app builder that lets you turn an idea into a working online project simply by describing what you want.
No coding. No complicated development environment. Just tell Macaly what you want to create and let AI do the heavy lifting.
A Blue Shift for People and Planet: How team.blue is turning ESG commitments into action
Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s an essential part of building resilient, responsible businesses. Hosting Ireland is part of the team.blue UK&IE Group, where Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles are becoming embedded into everyday operations, helping the business create long-term value for customers, employees and communities alike.
The newly published 2024/25 Impact Report highlights the progress made over the past year while setting out an ambitious roadmap for the future. From reducing environmental impact and improving workplace inclusion to strengthening digital trust, the report demonstrates that sustainability isn’t a standalone initiative – it’s becoming part of how team.blue does business. For a full breakdown of the initiatives, metrics and future commitments, we encourage you to read the complete report.
A strategy built around 3 pillars
At the heart of team.blue’s sustainability journey is its blue.shift strategy, which focuses on three core areas:- Sustainable Tech – reducing environmental impact through smarter technology and responsible operations
- Digital Inclusion – creating a more accessible, diverse and supportive digital world
- Digital Trust – ensuring security, transparency and responsible governance remain central to every service provided
Making measurable environmental progress
One of the strongest themes throughout the report is the focus on measurable environmental improvements.
team.blue UK&IE has powered its primary UK data centre with 100% renewable electricity since 2021, while continuing to improve how it measures and reports carbon emissions. Better monitoring has resulted in more accurate emissions data, helping the business identify where further reductions can be made.
The report also highlights practical initiatives that are already delivering results, including:
- Achieving 100% hybrid or electric company vehicles
- Recycling or reusing 100% of end-of-life servers
- Continuing to optimise data centre efficiency through smarter infrastructure management
Investing in people and communities
The social aspect of ESG is equally prominent throughout the report.
team.blue UK&IE continues to invest heavily in employee wellbeing and development through initiatives including Mental Health First Aiders, wellbeing-focused Lunch & Learn sessions, equality and diversity training, and the implementation of the ONE.CORE framework to improve transparency around roles and career development.
Progress towards diversity goals has also continued, with 50% of new UK&IE hires being women, helping the business stay ahead of its gender diversity targets.
Beyond the workplace, community engagement remains a priority. During the annual team.blue Step Challenge, colleagues raised €18,000 for MOVE Europe, supporting children and young people with disabilities.
Building trust in a digital world
For a technology business, governance is about much more than compliance.
The report outlines how team.blue UK&IE is strengthening information security through centralised ISO certification, enhanced cybersecurity training and consistent governance across its brands. New quality assurance processes have also been introduced to improve customer service, supported by dedicated technical teams and a strong Net Promoter Score.
Transparency is another key focus. This Impact Report itself represents an important milestone, alongside continued reporting to investors and participation in initiatives such as the UN Global Compact, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible business practices.
Looking ahead
While the report celebrates significant achievements, it also makes clear that this is just the beginning.
team.blue UK&IE is continuing its journey towards B Corp certification by the end of 2026, using the certification process as a framework to improve governance, sustainability and social impact across the organisation. Alongside the wider team.blue Group’s blue.shift strategy, this provides a clear roadmap for continued progress in the years ahead.
Read the full report
The 2024/25 Impact Report offers a detailed look at how team.blue is translating ESG ambitions into measurable action. This blog only scratches the surface, so if you’d like to explore the data, case studies and commitments in more depth, download and read the full 2024/25 Impact Report.Irish Small Businesses Face an AI Readiness Gap as Online Visibility Becomes More Challenging
For many Irish small businesses, getting found online is becoming increasingly difficult. While new digital tools and AI promise exciting opportunities, a new European survey suggests that many businesses feel they’re falling behind the pace of change.
The State of European Business 2026: The Visibility Economy Report, based on responses from more than 10,000 businesses across Europe – including 630 businesses in Ireland – paints a clear picture. Irish businesses recognise that AI is set to reshape how customers discover companies online, but many admit they are not yet prepared to take advantage of it.
Irish businesses are feeling the pressure
One of the report’s standout findings is that 37.7% of Irish businesses say it has become harder to reach customers online over the past two years. That’s significantly higher than the European average of 30.6%, making Ireland the market where businesses feel the greatest pressure when it comes to online visibility. The biggest obstacles include changing search and social media algorithms, rising advertising costs, creating enough quality content and simply finding the time and expertise to keep up. These challenges suggest that many business owners aren’t looking for more technology – they’re looking for practical guidance on how to use it effectively.AI is coming – but businesses aren’t ready
Perhaps the most striking statistic is the gap between awareness and preparedness. More than 72% of Irish businesses believe AI will change how customers discover businesses online, yet only 23.5% say they feel prepared for that shift. Even more concerning, 40.4% say they are not prepared at all. This creates an AI readiness gap of almost 49 percentage points, one of the most significant findings in the report. As AI-powered search and recommendation tools become increasingly important, businesses that don’t adapt risk becoming less visible to potential customers.Strong digital foundations – but untapped potential
The research also reveals some encouraging news. Ireland has the highest website ownership rate of any market surveyed, with 92.6% of businesses having a website. However, simply having a website isn’t enough. Only 10.8% of Irish businesses accurately track how website visitors become leads or customers, while nearly 60% have no clear conversion data. Confidence in AI search optimisation is also low, averaging just 3.91 out of 10. These findings suggest that many businesses already have the digital infrastructure in place, but are missing opportunities to improve performance and measure results.Trust matters more than ever
The report also highlights something uniquely Irish: businesses place an exceptionally high value on trust. Irish respondents recorded the highest scores in Europe for the importance of trust in their digital provider (82.9%) and GDPR compliance (66.9%). They also place greater emphasis than most European businesses on using European providers and knowing where their data is stored. These findings suggest that, alongside innovation, Irish businesses want partners that are reliable, transparent and committed to protecting customer data.A changing digital landscape
The message from the research is clear: online discovery is evolving rapidly, driven by AI, changing platforms and shifting customer behaviour. While Irish businesses understand these changes are happening, many are still deciding how best to respond. The good news is that the fundamentals are already in place. High website ownership, strong trust in digital partners and an awareness of AI’s importance provide a solid foundation for future growth. The next step is turning that awareness into action.Download the full report
If you’d like to explore the findings in more detail – including how Ireland compares with other European markets and what businesses can do to improve their online visibility – download the full State of European Business 2026: The Visibility Economy Report. It provides deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of digital discovery for Irish businesses. Download the full report Methodology The findings are based on the State of European Business 2026 survey, commissioned by team.blue and conducted in early 2026. The survey gathered responses from 10,059 businesses across 11 European markets, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Respondents represented organisations of all sizes, ranging from freelancers and sole traders to large enterprises. About team.blue team.blue is a leading AI-powered digital enabler for businesses and entrepreneurs across Europe, serving more than 3.3m SMB customers in 22 countries. team.blue is a one-stop partner for web hosting, domains, e-commerce, online compliance, lead generation and other SaaS solutions, supported by more than 4000+ experts. team.blue’s vision is to make online business success simpler with the intelligence of AI at every step.Hosting Ireland launches tools to help with GDPR compliance and web accessibility
It might be getting close to the end of the year, but here at Hosting Ireland we’re certainly not slowing down anytime soon.
The digital world doesn’t stand still, and with regulations like GDPR and the European Accessibility Act continuing to raise expectations, websites now have a clear benchmark to meet. These rules aren’t just about ticking boxes – they’re about creating better, fairer online experiences for everyone.
Today’s users quite rightly expect websites to be accessible, inclusive and respectful of their data. No matter someone’s abilities or preferences, they want to enjoy the same smooth experience as anyone else.
That’s why we’re excited to share the launch of two brand-new products. One helps website owners make sense of online GDPR compliance, while the other focuses on improving accessibility for people with disabilities or visual impairments.
Here’s a closer look at what each one offers.
GDPR Compliance Tool
Our all-in-one GDPR compliance tool is built to take the stress out of legal requirements. With just a few clicks, you can add professionally written legal policies to your website, tailored specifically to your business needs. Even better, these policies are automatically updated whenever relevant legislation changes – so you’re not left playing catch-up. The tool includes:- Cookie & Privacy Policy
- Terms & Conditions
- Cookie & Consent Banner
Web Accessibility Solution
When accessibility comes up, many people think of physical features like ramps or lifts – but your website deserves the same level of care. For many users, your website is the first point of contact with your business, so it should be just as welcoming and usable. Our WayWidget accessibility tool can be added to any website in minutes. Once installed, users can activate it via a small icon on the screen and choose from a range of accessibility options designed to support different needs. Features include:- Customisable text size, spacing, and contrast
- Full compatibility with screen readers and keyboard navigation
- Simple contrast adjustments for visual impairments
- Ready-made accessibility profiles for common requirements, including ADHD
The UK & Ireland Data Hosting Report: Data Sovereignty in Focus
Introduction
We live in an online world.
A world governed by the power of data.
Yet it is also a world in which the digital landscape is constantly changing. Amid this rising turbulence and regular geopolitical shifts, businesses here in Ireland are having to navigate their way through increasing complexities around data hosting.
Here at Hosting Ireland, we wanted to understand how much Irish businesses understand about where their data is located and whether the changing times we live in have caused them to re-assess their digital priorities.
Collectively, as part of team.blue, we surveyed our European customer base and received more than 200 responses from Irish businesses.
The results are striking, painting an interesting picture of the shape of Irish data hosting in 2025.
Key Findings
The vast majority (82%) of responses were from small businesses with less than 10 employees. A further 11% came from companies with 11-50 staff members. Hosting Ireland are primarily known for the digital services we offer to small businesses, so it is perhaps not surprising that they represented the majority of those who responded to us.
Nevertheless, this does strongly suggest that it is not just massive corporations that are thinking about data. The everyday small businesses that form the beating heart of the Irish economy are also seriously considering this increasingly important topic.
Industry Sector
For this question we wanted to understand which industries our respondents operated in. A fifth of them told us they were from the Technology sector, indicating that IT companies are leading the charge on this vital issue.
Another notable presence came from the Healthcare sector, forming 12% of received responses. This is the industry that handles what is arguably the most important and sensitive data of all – our patient medical records. It is therefore encouraging to see that they are invested in ensuring their data remains in key, trusted locations.
Data Hosting Landscape
Now we come to one of the most pressing questions. Where exactly is Ireland’s data being hosted?
This was the question that produced the highest number of responses, so clearly was the one that resonated the most with businesses. Just over a third of those who replied hosted with us, or another team.blue brand, indicating that keeping it local is a key ongoing concern.
Global players Google and Microsoft were the next most popular choices. Whilst this does give businesses great flexibility and ease of access, it may expose them at some point to concerns around sovereignty and trust.
Worryingly, a staggering 68% have no idea whether their current provider stores their data exclusively within the EU. This represents a significant information gap and one that we recommend applicable businesses try to fill in as soon as possible. It is our hope that this report helps to raise awareness on the importance of this topic.
Recent Concern
Next, we wanted to understand whether businesses have recently started becoming more worried about where their data is hosted.
A sizeable 45% told us that they had indeed experienced an increase in concern over the last few months. Tellingly, this concern isn’t just coming from the company directors, but also employees and customers as well.
This is a strong indication that data location is now a wide-ranging concern, one that could seriously impact customer acquisition and brand loyalty if it is left unchecked.
When we specifically asked about hosting in the US, 73% of businesses indicated that the current geopolitical situation is causing them to become concerned about storing data there.
The message here is loud and clear: geopolitical shifts are causing organisations to think long and hard about data location.
Conclusion
When we conceived this survey, our objective was to understand whether world events cause business attitudes about data to shift.
Here’s a quick recap of what we discovered:
- 68% don’t know if their data is located purely within the EU
- 45% have recently started becoming worried about data location
- 73% have concerns about their data being hosted in the US specifically
The vast majority (82%) of responses were from small businesses with less than 10 employees. A further 11% came from companies with 11-50 staff members. Hosting Ireland are primarily known for the digital services we offer to small businesses, so it is perhaps not surprising that they represented the majority of those who responded to us.
Nevertheless, this does strongly suggest that it is not just massive corporations that are thinking about data. The everyday small businesses that form the beating heart of the Irish economy are also seriously considering this increasingly important topic.
Industry Sector
For this question we wanted to understand which industries our respondents operated in. A fifth of them told us they were from the Technology sector, indicating that IT companies are leading the charge on this vital issue.
Another notable presence came from the Healthcare sector, forming 12% of received responses. This is the industry that handles what is arguably the most important and sensitive data of all – our patient medical records. It is therefore encouraging to see that they are invested in ensuring their data remains in key, trusted locations.
Data Hosting Landscape
Now we come to one of the most pressing questions. Where exactly is Ireland’s data being hosted?
This was the question that produced the highest number of responses, so clearly was the one that resonated the most with businesses. Just over a third of those who replied hosted with us, or another team.blue brand, indicating that keeping it local is a key ongoing concern.
Global players Google and Microsoft were the next most popular choices. Whilst this does give businesses great flexibility and ease of access, it may expose them at some point to concerns around sovereignty and trust.
Worryingly, a staggering 68% have no idea whether their current provider stores their data exclusively within the EU. This represents a significant information gap and one that we recommend applicable businesses try to fill in as soon as possible. It is our hope that this report helps to raise awareness on the importance of this topic.
Recent Concern
Next, we wanted to understand whether businesses have recently started becoming more worried about where their data is hosted.
A sizeable 45% told us that they had indeed experienced an increase in concern over the last few months. Tellingly, this concern isn’t just coming from the company directors, but also employees and customers as well.
This is a strong indication that data location is now a wide-ranging concern, one that could seriously impact customer acquisition and brand loyalty if it is left unchecked.
When we specifically asked about hosting in the US, 73% of businesses indicated that the current geopolitical situation is causing them to become concerned about storing data there.
The message here is loud and clear: geopolitical shifts are causing organisations to think long and hard about data location.
Conclusion
When we conceived this survey, our objective was to understand whether world events cause business attitudes about data to shift.
Here’s a quick recap of what we discovered:
- Keeping data local, with a trusted supplier, is a key consideration
- There is uncertainty among many about where their data currently is
- Concerns about data location, particularly in the US, are on the rise
Update on .ie domain renewals
We wanted to let you know about a new update from the .IE Registry that may affect you if your .ie domain ever goes significantly overdue.
What is happening?
From August 1st, 2025, a restore fee of €48 + VAT will apply to any .ie domain that is more than 45 days overdue at the time of renewal. This price is set by the Registry and we will pass it on as is with no extra mark-up.
Here’s how the new process will work:
- Domain can still be renewed at the usual price for up to 45 days after expiry
- After that, the domain enters a 30-day redemption period, during which the restore fee applies (on top of normal renewal fee)
- After the 30 days, the domain will be unavailable to renew and will be released to the open market after around 5 days
4 tips for small businesses in 2025
How are we halfway through December already?
2024 seems to have whizzed by, with some of our New Year resolutions from last January not even started yet!
Looking back at the year, there are a few achievements that we’re quite proud of. We gave our website a bit of a Spring Clean a few months ago, vastly improving its overall look and feel. Plus, there was the launch of our new Website Builder product, a great team effort.
What about you? Hopefully you accomplished some of the tasks you wanted to get done this year and have made a success of your business. But don’t worry if things didn’t go exactly to plan, as 2025 is your chance to make a fresh start.
Here are a few tips which should help your 2025 planning get off to a good start.
(Image Source: European Commission Autumn 2024 Economic Forecast)
Work out what you expect your total business expenditures to be. You can roughly calculate the ongoing cost of your bills, such as rent and energy. But don’t forget to account for any one-off costs. For example, perhaps your business has a piece of equipment that is due to be replaced or serviced soon – make sure you factor that into your 2025 outgoings.
The next step would then be to try and predict your earnings. Use this year’s sales figures as a guide, looking at patterns in orders so you can identify where your busy periods are likely to be.
Tip 1: Look back at 2024
Before diving into the New Year, take a moment to look back at how things went in 2024. If something worked out well and you enjoyed some success, then have a think how you can build on that in 2025. Perhaps you have a specific product that enjoyed a bumper year? Could you keep that demand going by upping your advertising game, bringing it to a wider audience? But don’t forget about the things that didn’t go so well either. Although they weren’t as successful as you hoped, there could still be some insights you could learn from them. Was it the right product but at the wrong time? Was the price a factor, or was there a competitor with a similar offering? If you can work out what went wrong, you can try to avoid that pitfall in the future.Tip 2: Budget sensibly for 2025
For many businesses, 2024 was a tough year. However, there are signs that we’re through the worst of it. The European Commission published their Economic Forecast earlier this year, in which they predicted the Irish economy to grow by 4% in 2025.
(Image Source: European Commission Autumn 2024 Economic Forecast)
Work out what you expect your total business expenditures to be. You can roughly calculate the ongoing cost of your bills, such as rent and energy. But don’t forget to account for any one-off costs. For example, perhaps your business has a piece of equipment that is due to be replaced or serviced soon – make sure you factor that into your 2025 outgoings.
The next step would then be to try and predict your earnings. Use this year’s sales figures as a guide, looking at patterns in orders so you can identify where your busy periods are likely to be.
Tip 3: Understand your customers
To maximise your earning potential, it’s important to get your products seen by the people who will be attracted to them most. Have a look through your existing customer database and the types of products they’re ordering. Are your sales mainly from certain business sectors or walks of life? Is it one particular age group, or people from specific geographic areas? By understanding your target audience, you can start to fine-tune your promotional materials to appeal directly to them. It’s your chance to carve an exclusive niche for yourself and hopefully stand out from your competitors.Tip 4: Research your competitors
Chances are that you’re not the only small business offering your particular products or services. You’ll likely have at least one competitor offering a similar solution to you. Spend some time researching these competitors, working out what they do well and the areas where they’re failing. Read their online reviews and look for patterns – do they consistently get praised for a certain action, or poorly reviewed due to a certain policy? Armed with this information, you can forge your own path and create a unique selling point that your competitors don’t have.Get ready for 2025
Hopefully you’ve found these small business tips useful. But before we finish, there’s just time for the most important piece of advice of all: enjoy the festive break, spend some time with loved ones and recharge your batteries ready for the New Year. Here’s to a successful 2025!Why get your business online?
Nowadays, the world has become an interconnected digital playground. As consumers search for products, services, and solutions, businesses must evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape. So, if you’re a business owner still wondering, “Why should I get my business online?” – you’ve come to the right place. We’ll dive into why taking your business online is a crucial step towards unlocking success, growth, and reaching new heights.
Reach a global audience:
Gone are the days of being confined to a local market or limited to a brick-and-mortar shop. By establishing an online presence, your business can gain access to a global audience. The internet crosses geographical barriers, allowing you to connect with potential customers from across the world. Imagine the possibilities of reaching people from different cultures, time zones, and backgrounds – it’s like having a virtual shop that’s open 24/7 and caters to customers worldwide.
Stay open for business, always:
Imagine your business never closing its doors – that’s the magic of being online! Unlike the traditional 9am to 5pm, your website will ensure that your products and services are available round the clock. Customers can browse, enquire, and make purchases at a time most suitable for them, whether it’s early morning, late at night, or during their lunch break.
Cost-effective and scalable:
Establishing a physical store or office requires significant investments in rent, utilities, and staff. However, venturing online is cost-effective and scalable. With social media platforms, website builders, and e-commerce solutions, you can create a professional website without breaking the bank. Plus, as your business grows, your website can easily expand to accommodate the increasing demand.
Building trust and credibility:
A professional online presence helps build trust and credibility with potential customers. A well-designed website, active social media profiles, and positive online reviews boost confidence in your brand. Consumers are more likely to trust businesses they can easily find and engage with online, resulting in higher conversion rates and stronger customer loyalty.
Data-driven insights:
Understanding your customers is vital for success, and the internet provides an abundance of data-driven insights. Analysing customer behaviours, preferences, and buying patterns can help you make informed decisions to enhance your offerings and improve customer experiences. The more you know about your customers, the better you can cater to their needs and expectations.
Compete and thrive:
In today’s online landscape, businesses need to stay relevant and adaptable. By going online, startups and small businesses can compete with larger, more established companies. The key lies in leaning into your unique selling points, showcasing your brand story, and connecting with your audience on a personal level. Embrace changes that come your way, and you’ll soon carve out your niche.
Adapt to changing behaviours:
Customer preferences and behaviours change rapidly, and businesses must adapt accordingly. Online platforms provide the agility and flexibility needed to stay ahead of trends and respond to changing demands. By embracing the ever-changing landscape, you’ll position your business to meet your customers where they prefer to interact.
The internet has transformed the way businesses operate and connect with customers. Getting your business online is no longer an option; it’s an essential step towards securing your spot in the modern marketplace. From reaching a global audience and staying open 24/7 to utilising data-driven insights and adapting to the ever-changing behaviours, the benefits of getting online are immense. Embrace the path to success and watch your business flourish in the vast and interconnected world of online opportunities. So, gear up and take your business online with Hosting Ireland!
.IE Domain Registry Announce a New Monthly Prize Draw
We have some exciting news to share with you! The .IE Domain Registry is launching a monthly prize draw* that gives you the opportunity to win €500. If you have a .IE domain name, this is your chance to be a lucky winner!
How to enter:
From 1st July 2023 up to 31st December 2023, anyone who renews their .ie domain name(s) will be entered into the monthly prize draw. It’s that simple! For example, if you choose to renew your .ie domain(s) in July, you’ll be included in the July draw. Entries are limited to one entry per domain holder.
How to check your renewal dates:
We don’t want you to miss out on this exciting opportunity, so it’s important to keep track of your renewal dates. Checking your renewal dates is quick and easy – here’s how:
• Log into your Hosting Ireland Client Area.
• Click on the ‘Domains’ tile.
You will find a list of your domain(s) along with their respective renewal dates.
The .IE Domain Registry’s monthly competition offers an exciting opportunity for you to win €500, simply by renewing your .ie domain name(s). Mark your calendars to make sure you don’t miss your chance to be a lucky winner. Check your renewal dates, stay connected with us, and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to not only secure your online presence but also have a chance at winning a cash prize.
Good luck!
Getting in touch with us:
If you have any questions or need assistance with your .IE domain renewal, our dedicated team is here to help. You can reach us by calling 01 9020020 or by submitting a support ticket from within your Client Area.
*Terms and Conditions for the monthly renewal prize draw are governed by the .IE Domain Registry. For full terms and conditions, please visit the .IE website here.
